The old adage that it doesn't matter what others think of you but only what you think of yourself is a load of crap. And not just because it is old, or an adage. What IS an adage, anyway?
The healthy explanation is that other's perceptions of you do matter. It's how the world judges you, how a prospective employer decided to hire you, or not. It's how a new acquaintance decides if you appear clean and safe enough to invite over for a play date.
But sometimes, it isn't so healthy or just so clear cut.
I care. There. I said it. I care about how other people see me, what they think of me. You don't have to think my haircut is a great idea but you should see that I'm a decent and respectful/respectable person.
I know there are people out there who don't like me that much and there are times when the orbit of our lives, the independently spinning orbits come narrowly close to intersecting and I am forced to face these people.
It shakes me. It unnerves me. It makes me paranoid and childlike.
Sometimes it does matter and I care about my impression on the world.

